What I'm Watching For In The Detroit Pistons' Season Opener
The Pistons are back! Here’s what to watch for in tonight’s season opener against the Bulls — from Cade’s starting backcourt partner to Ausar Thompson’s potential leap.
The Detroit Pistons open their season tonight on the road against the Chicago Bulls.
Fresh off a 44-win campaign and their first playoff berth in six years, expectations are higher than they’ve been in a long time for this young, up-and-coming Pistons team.
But Detroit won’t be at full strength to start the year. Jaden Ivey is out after undergoing a right knee procedure. Marcus Sasser is doubtful with a right hip impingement, a tough blow considering he was expected to be a key part of the rotation as the backup point guard. Caris LeVert is dealing with right knee soreness but is probable to play.
The Pistons need to come out strong Wednesday night against a middling Bulls squad — especially with a difficult stretch of games looming.
Who Joins Cade Cunningham in the Starting Backcourt?
With Jaden Ivey sidelined, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff will have to adjust from the planned Cunningham–Ivey backcourt. Without Ivey, and likely without Sasser, Detroit’s options next to Cunningham are limited.
Caris LeVert is an option if he’s healthy enough to go, but his ball-handling and playmaking are arguably more valuable leading the second unit.
Rookie forward Ron Holland impressed during Summer League and carried that momentum into the preseason, but his inconsistent shooting makes him a tough fit alongside non-shooters like Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren.
That leaves Duncan Robinson as the most logical choice. His shooting, off-ball movement, and veteran experience make him an ideal complement to Cunningham in the starting lineup.
Is Ausar Thompson Ready to Take the Leap?
Reports out of training camp suggest an Ausar Thompson breakout could be on the horizon — and with Ivey’s injury, the Pistons need it to happen.
Thompson is already an elite defender, capable of wrecking offensive game plans whether he’s guarding at the point of attack or rotating from the weak side. But the next step is consistency on offense.
He doesn’t need to become a knockdown three-point shooter, though that would certainly help. What Detroit really needs is for him to find ways to score efficiently — whether that’s cutting, attacking the rim, or knocking down those mid-range turnarounds he’s shown a comfort with.
Look for the Pistons to use him in the dunker’s spot early and often, but how he evolves beyond that could be a major storyline for Detroit this season.
Are the Pistons Ready to Handle Business?
Good teams beat the teams they’re supposed to beat — and right now, the Bulls fit that description.
Last season, Detroit had a frustrating tendency to play down to weaker competition. In a tightly packed Eastern Conference, those are the kinds of games that separate playoff teams from lottery teams.
A loss to Chicago would be a rough way to start. Considering Detroit’s next five games — @Houston, vs. Boston, vs. Cleveland, vs. Orlando, @Dallas — opening the season with a setback would be demoralizing.